HEDRA approves 2025 HRA Levy, moves forward with HPAC Art Space

By Graham P. Johnson
Posted 9/26/24

The Sept. 12 HEDRA meeting approved the 2025 Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy of 0.0185 percent of taxable market value within the city. According to Hastings Economic Development …

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HEDRA approves 2025 HRA Levy, moves forward with HPAC Art Space

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The Sept. 12 HEDRA meeting approved the 2025 Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy of 0.0185 percent of taxable market value within the city. According to Hastings Economic Development Coordinator Alex Menke, the levy is expected to raise $537,640.
“These funds would be utilized to complete projects and goals identified with our strategic plan,” said Menke.
The HEDRA Strategic Plan was adopted in July 2021 and focuses on four main goals: development or redevelopment of underutilized sites, maintaining the character of Hastings and tourism attractions, improvements to development processes and business retention and expansion. These broad goals encompass specific projects laid out in the plan including development in Westview Mall and Wells Fargo Block redevelopment.
Also at the meeting, members of Hastings Prescott Arts Council discussed the proposal for leasing 213 Ramsey St. for a “dedicated space for artists, student, and community members,” according to HPAC’s proposal. The proposal states that the building will allow HPAC to expand its programming and better support local artists as well as “provide meaningful cultural and educational experiences for all residents.”
The current tenant of the site, whose lease ends in November indicated to the city that they would not be seeking to renew the lease, leaving HPAC as the only interested party in the property.
“As of now, after November we will only have on interested party,” said Menke, referencing HPAC.
HPAC President Kathy O’Keefe spoke at the meeting, discussing how the new location will create jobs for local arts and help raise awareness of the group as a whole.
“My favorite thing is that we get to have a sign with our name on it because that is really going to be pivotal in letting people know who we are.”
For more information about HPAC visit their website at https://www.hastingsprescottarts.org